The future of CPG brands: what to expect in the years to come

The consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry is a vast and ever-changing landscape. In recent years, the industry has been undergoing a major transformation, driven by a number of factors, including the rise of e-commerce, the growing importance of sustainability, and the changing needs of consumers.

As the industry looks to the future, there are a number of trends that are likely to shape its evolution. These trends include:

The continued growth of e-commerce: E-commerce is already a major force in the CPG industry, and its growth is only going to accelerate in the years to come. This means that CPG brands will need to invest in their online presence and make it easy for consumers to buy their products online.
The rise of sustainability: Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable products. This means that CPG brands will need to focus on reducing their environmental impact and using more sustainable materials in their products.
The changing needs of consumers: The needs of consumers are constantly evolving. CPG brands will need to stay ahead of these changes by developing new products that meet the needs of today's consumers.

In this article, we will take a closer look at these trends and explore what they mean for the future of CPG brands. We will also discuss some of the challenges and opportunities that CPG brands face in the years to come.

What are consumer packaged goods?

Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) refer to products that are used by consumers on a daily basis and need to be replaced frequently. These are items that are typically sold in retail stores and are consumed relatively quickly. CPGs encompass a wide range of products including food and beverages, personal care products, household items, cleaning products, and over-the-counter medicines, among others.

Examples of CPGs include:

Food and Beverages: Cereals, canned goods, snacks, soft drinks, etc.
Personal Care Products: Shampoo, toothpaste, soap, cosmetics, etc.
Household Items: Cleaning supplies, detergents, paper products, etc.
Over-the-counter medicines: Pain relievers, vitamins, cough syrup, etc.

CPGs are distinct from durable goods (like appliances or cars) that are designed to last for an extended period. They also differ from industrial goods which are used as inputs for other businesses in the production process.

Characteristics of consumer-packaged goods

Ubiquitous Presence: CPG brands are a pervasive part of everyday life, as they encompass products that individuals and households use on a regular basis. These include food, beverages, personal care items, cleaning supplies, and more.

Frequent Consumption and Repurchase: CPG products are typically used up or depleted relatively quickly, necessitating regular repurchases. This stands in contrast to durable goods, which have a longer lifespan.

Low Customer Involvement: Consumers often make CPG purchasing decisions quickly and with relatively low levels of involvement. They may not invest significant time or effort in evaluating options, often opting for familiar or convenient choices.

Low Brand Loyalty: Brand loyalty in the CPG sector tends to be lower compared to other industries. Consumers are often open to trying different brands and may switch based on factors like price, promotions, or availability.

High Competition: The CPG market is highly competitive, with numerous brands vying for consumer attention and shelf space. This competition drives companies to continuously innovate, differentiate, and market their products effectively.

Mass Production and Standardization: CPG items are typically produced on a large scale, and there is a focus on maintaining consistent quality and standardization across batches. This enables efficient manufacturing and distribution.

Retail-Centric Distribution: CPG products are primarily sold through retail channels, including supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores, and online marketplaces. Effective distribution and placement in stores are critical for success.

Packaging Significance: Packaging serves a crucial role in CPG branding. It not only protects the product but also communicates brand identity, and product information, and influences consumer perception.

Consumer Insights-Driven Innovation: CPG companies heavily rely on consumer research and market insights to understand trends, preferences, and behaviors. This data-driven approach informs product development, marketing strategies, and supply chain decisions.

Promotional Strategies: CPG brands often engage in promotions, discounts, and marketing campaigns to influence consumer purchasing decisions. This can include limited-time offers, loyalty programs, and in-store displays.

E-commerce Adoption: CPG brands are increasingly turning to e-commerce platforms to reach consumers and differentiate themselves. This shift towards online sales provides new opportunities for brand visibility and direct consumer engagement.

Difference between CPG and retail:

Definition:

Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG): CPG refers to the products that are consumed or used by individuals and households on a regular basis. These include items like food, beverages, personal care products, cleaning supplies, and other everyday essentials. CPGs are typically sold in retail stores.

Retail: Retail, on the other hand, is the process of selling goods and services directly to consumers. It encompasses the entire sales process, from procurement and inventory management to sales and customer service. Retailers can sell a wide range of products, including CPGs, durable goods (like appliances and electronics), and even services.

Nature of Goods:

CPG: CPGs are products that are typically consumed relatively quickly and need to be replaced frequently. They are usually low-cost items and include non-durable goods like food, toiletries, and household items.

Retail: Retail includes the sale of various types of goods, including CPGs, durable goods, apparel, electronics, and more. Retailers may offer a diverse range of products to cater to different consumer needs.

Focus:

CPG: CPG brands focus on producing and marketing specific categories of consumer goods. They may specialize in food and beverages, personal care products, cleaning supplies, and other similar items.

Retail: Retailers are businesses that specialize in selling products to consumers. They can offer a wide range of products from various categories, and they may carry multiple brands, including CPG brands.

Role in the Supply Chain:

CPG: CPG companies are typically involved in the manufacturing, branding, and marketing of products. They may work with distributors and retailers to get their products to the end consumer.

Retail: Retailers are the final link in the supply chain. They acquire products from various sources, including CPG manufacturers, and sell them directly to consumers. They play a crucial role in product selection, merchandising, and creating a shopping experience.

Examples:

CPG: Brands like Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, and Coca-Cola are well-known CPG companies that produce a wide range of consumer goods.

Retail: Examples of retailers include Walmart, Amazon, Target, and grocery store chains like Kroger and Tesco. They sell a diverse array of products, including CPGs.

CPG industry trends

The consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry is constantly evolving, and there are a number of trends that are shaping its future. Here are some of the most important CPG industry trends to watch in 2023:

The rise of e-commerce:

E-commerce is already a major force in the CPG industry, and its growth is only going to accelerate in the years to come. This means that CPG brands will need to invest in their online presence and make it easy for consumers to buy their products online.

The growing importance of sustainability:

Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable products. This means that CPG brands will need to focus on reducing their environmental impact and using more sustainable materials in their products.

The changing needs of consumers:

The needs of consumers are constantly evolving. CPG brands will need to stay ahead of these changes by developing new products that meet the needs of today's consumers.

The rise of personalization:

Consumers are increasingly looking for personalized products and experiences. CPG brands will need to find ways to personalize their products and marketing messages to appeal to individual consumers.

The increasing importance of data analytics:

Data analytics is becoming increasingly important for CPG brands. By collecting and analyzing data, CPG brands can better understand the needs of their consumers and make more informed decisions about product development, marketing, and pricing.

The growth of the private label market:

Private-label brands are becoming increasingly popular, as consumers look for more affordable and convenient options. CPG brands will need to compete with private label brands by offering high-quality products at a competitive price.

The rise of the subscription economy:

The subscription economy is growing rapidly, and CPG brands are starting to offer subscription services. This is a way for CPG brands to build customer loyalty and recurring revenue.

Top ten CPG companies in 2023

Procter & Gamble (P&G): P&G is the world's largest CPG company, with a wide range of products that include laundry detergent, toothpaste, shampoo, and diapers. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has over 90,000 employees worldwide.

Nestlé: Nestlé is a Swiss multinational food and drink company, with headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland. The company has over 200,000 employees and operates in over 180 countries. Nestlé's products include baby food, chocolate, coffee, and pet food.

Unilever: Unilever is a British-Dutch multinational consumer goods company, headquartered in London, England. The company has over 150,000 employees and operates in over 190 countries. Unilever's products include food, home care, and personal care products.

Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola is an American multinational beverage corporation, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is the world's largest beverage company, and its products include Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Fanta.

PepsiCo: PepsiCo is an American multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation, headquartered in Purchase, New York. The company's products include Pepsi, Lay's, Doritos, and Quaker Oats.

Johnson & Johnson: Johnson & Johnson is an American multinational healthcare company, headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The company has over 135,000 employees and operates in over 60 countries. Johnson & Johnson's products include baby care products, over-the-counter medicines, and medical devices.

Mars: Mars is a privately held American multinational confectionery corporation, headquartered in McLean, Virginia. The company has over 130,000 employees and operates in over 80 countries. Mars's products include M&M's, Snickers, and Twix.

Mondelēz International: Mondelēz International is an American multinational snack food company, headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois. The company has over 80,000 employees and operates in over 150 countries. Mondelēz International's products include Oreo cookies, Ritz crackers, and Trident gum.

Danone: Danone is a French multinational food and beverage company, headquartered in Paris, France. The company has over 100,000 employees and operates in over 120 countries. Danone's products include dairy products, bottled water, and baby food.

Kraft Heinz: Kraft Heinz is an American multinational food and beverage company, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company was formed in 2015 through the merger of Kraft Foods and Heinz. Kraft Heinz has over 26,000 employees and operates in over 70 countries. Kraft Heinz's products include ketchup, cheese, and Oscar Mayer hot dogs.

Growing Consumers packaged goods brands

Here are some of the rising consumer packaged goods brands in 2023:

Oatly: Oatly is a Swedish oat milk company that has seen rapid growth in recent years. The company's products are now available in over 60 countries.

Hims & Hers: Hims & Hers is a direct-to-consumer healthcare company that sells products for men's and women's health. The company has raised over $1 billion in funding and has over 1 million customers.

Native: Native is a natural deodorant company that has been praised for its effective and non-irritating products. The company has been featured in publications such as The New York Times and Vogue.

Are CPG brands innovating online to stay relevant

Yes, CPG brands are innovating online to stay relevant. Here are some of the ways they are doing this:

Investing in e-commerce: E-commerce is growing rapidly, and CPG brands are investing in this channel to reach more consumers. They are creating their own online stores, selling their products on third-party marketplaces, and using social media to drive traffic to their websites.

Using data analytics: CPG brands are using data analytics to better understand their customers and their needs. They are collecting data from their websites, social media, and loyalty programs to learn about what products consumers are interested in, how they are using their products, and where they are buying their products.

Personalizing their marketing: CPG brands are using data analytics to personalize their marketing messages to each individual customer. They are sending targeted emails, social media ads, and product recommendations based on the customer's interests and purchase history.

Creating content marketing: CPG brands are creating content marketing that is relevant to their target audience. This content can include blog posts, infographics, videos, and social media posts. The goal of content marketing is to educate and engage consumers, and to build trust and brand awareness.

Using social media: CPG brands are using social media to connect with consumers and build relationships. They are using social media to share news about their products, to run contests and promotions, and to listen to feedback from consumers.

Partnering with influencers: CPG brands are partnering with influencers to promote their products. Influencers are people who have a large following on social media. When CPG brands partner with influencers, they are able to reach a wider audience and to build trust with consumers.

Conclusion

The future of CPG brands is uncertain, but it is clear that the industry is going to be undergoing a major transformation. The trends that I have discussed in this article are just a few of the factors that will shape the future of CPG brands. By understanding these trends, CPG brands can position themselves for success in the years to come.

The CPG industry is at a crossroads. Traditional brands are facing increasing competition from new entrants, such as direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands and private label brands.
CPG brands that are successful in the future will be those that are able to adapt to the changing needs of consumers and the evolving retail landscape.
These brands will need to be innovative, agile, and customer-centric. They will also need to be committed to sustainability.
The future of CPG brands is exciting and full of potential. The brands that are able to embrace change and seize the opportunities that are presented will be the ones that succeed.